BWW Countdown: You Get to Rank Your Favorite Harvey Fierstein Shows

Very few stars have had a career that rivals that of the remarkable Harvey Fierstein. A seven-time Tony-nominee, he has two acting wins (TORCH SONG TRILOGY and HAIRSPRAY), one for Best Play (TORCH SONG), and one for Best Book of a Musical (LA CAGE AUX FOLLES). He also has three other Best Book nominations (A CATERED AFFAIR, NEWSIES, and KINKY BOOTS). In addition to being a phenomenal writer and actor, Harvey is also one of Broadway's most outspoken activists for the arts and equality, making him Broadway's Unofficial Mayor!

Whether or not he wins number five on Sunday is up to the voters, but now, BroadwayWorld wants to know which of Harvey's shows is your favorite. Take a look at the list, follow @BroadwayWorld on Twitter, and tweet the hashtag #BWWCountdownHarvey and your answer. We will unveil your picks on Friday, June 13th.

After winning his first two Tonys for TORCH SONG TRILOGY, Harvey brought his first musical to the Great White Way with LA CAGE AUX FOLLES, for which he won the 1984 Best Book Tony. While he didn't appear in the original production, he did join the cast in the 2010 Revival. Anytime one of Harvey's shows is on Broadway, it is "The Best of Times."

#BWWCountdownHarvey #LaCage

MRS. DOUBTFIRE

Long before I knew what the Broadway was, I knew who Robin Williams' make-up artist brother in MRS. DOUBTFIRE was. So, while this not a Broadway show (yet), for those in my generation, this was my first exposure to Mr. Fierstein.

#BWWCountdownHarvey #MrsDoubtfire

Harvey returned to the Broadway stage for the first time in 15 years in 2002, and for the first time in a show that he didn't write in HAIRSPRAY. Taking over the role made famous by Divine in the original movie, Harvey sleighed audiences as Edna Turnblad, becoming only the second person to win a Tony for playing a character of the opposite gender (More Bonus Points if you can name the first). Whether it is as a writer or actor, Harvey, you're "Timeless to Me."

#BWWCountdownHarvey #Hairspray

It is rare to see a star of Harvey's stature replace in a Broadway production, let alone to go on the road and tour. Yet, Harvey took over the role of Tevye from Alfred Molina in the 2004 revival. Then he replaced Chaim Topol (Tevye from the movie) when Topol's injured shoulder became difficult to maintain the demanding performance schedule. Harvey, if you ever ask me, "Do You Love Me?", the answer will be, "Yes, yes I do."

#BWWCountdownHarvey #Fiddler

While Harvey is traditionally known for his big, entertaining personality, his 2008 musical A CATERED AFFAIR is a small, touching story of an extended family (and my favorite Fierstein-penned show). As Uncle Winston, Harvey brings both laughs and heartache. I wish Harvey was part of my "Immediate Family."

The BroadwayWorld Archive has shots from the Opening Night Curtain Call, as well as from the Opening Night Party. However, the most exciting CATERED AFFAIR BWW coverage is that for nearly a year, Harvey wrote a blog exclusively on BroadwayWorld. The column chronicled the prep and run of A CATERED AFFAIR, as well as the other happenings in the fabulous life of Broadway's Favorite Son. You can read all of his blogs here.

#BWWCountdownHarvey #CateredAffair

At first, Disney saw NEWSIES as an opportunity to reboot a much-maligned cult classic for regional and school performances. However, when the show had its World Premiere at the Papermill Playhouse, there was no doubt that Harvey, Alan Menken, and Jack Feldman had a hit on their hands. They quickly scrambled to bring the show to Broadway, where it was nominated for eight Tonys, winning two. As if there was ever a question, Harvey was once again, "King of New York."

#BWWCountdownHarvey #Newsies

Just a year after his NEWSIES success, Harvey was back on Broadway with his new musical KINKY BOOTS, featuring music and lyrics by pop-music icon Cyndi Lauper. The show pulled in a whopping 13 Tony noms and won six, including Best Musical. Carrying on the tradition of Harvey appearing in his own shows, who else thinks he would make a fierce Lola? Now that would be "The Most Beautiful Thing."

#BWWCountdownHarvey #KinkyBoots

Harvey's current Tony-nominated show, CASA VALENTINA, tells the story of a group of heterosexual men who congregated at a bungalow colony in the '60s to dress as women. The show, Harvey's third currently running on Broadway, is nominated for four Tonys, including Best Play.

Now, follow @BroadwayWorld on Twitter and vote for your favorite Harvey role by tweeting your pick and the hashtag #BWWCountdownHarvey. Then remember to check back Friday, June 13th to see the results.

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About Author

Matt is BroadwayWorld's Chief TV and Film critic. He also writes across other BWW sites, including BWW Orlando, and serves as BWW's Database Manager. He received a BA in Journalism/Communications from The Ohio State University and has worked in sports broadcasting, media relations, and journalism. He also has directed and/or produced over 30 plays and musicals, and is currently writing two plays of his own. You can connect with Matt through Twitter: @BWWMatt.